The academy courtyard was crowded.
Hundreds of students stood in neat rows.
A teacher stood on the platform, his voice echoing through the entire area.
In a few days, all of you will undergo a Talent Examination.
The students immediately started whispering.
This test will determine your potential.
Your talent will be graded from D Class to S Class.
Prepare yourselves well.
The announcement created a wave of excitement across the academy.
Some students looked nervous.
Others looked confident.
The next day.
The academy was full of discussions.
Students gathered in groups, talking endlessly about the upcoming test.
Who knows… maybe our cultivation is low but our talent could be high.
Yeah, talent matters more in the long run.
Nearby, a group of girls were gossiping.
I wonder what Ketlos's talent will be.
He already looks extremely talented.
Maybe he'll reach A class… or even S class!
They giggled excitedly.
Not far away—
Louisa approached Ketlos.
Ketlos, how are your injuries now?
she asked softly.
Ketlos smiled slightly.
I've mostly recovered.
Though there's still some healing left.
He looked at her gratefully.
And… thank you.
If you hadn't helped me that day, things could've gone much worse.
Louisa smiled shyly.
It's nothing.
Just then—
Amelia suddenly appeared.
The moment she saw the two talking together, her expression froze.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Oh… you two are talking…
She forced a smile.
I'll leave you two alone.
Before either of them could reply—
She turned around and quickly ran away.
Ketlos frowned slightly.
Louisa simply watched Amelia leave.
Meanwhile—
In another part of the academy training grounds.
Three girls were practicing intensely.
Fire.
Ice.
Thunder.
Three different elemental techniques exploded across the field.
These were Ketlos's sisters.
After a long training session, the three of them finally stopped.
Sweat covered their foreheads.
They wiped it away while catching their breath.
At that moment—
Someone approached them quietly.
Kairo.
He held towels and bottles of water.
Here, sisters.
He handed them the towels politely.
Drink some water.
The three sisters looked surprised for a moment.
Then they smiled.
Thanks, little brother.
One of them patted his shoulder.
Even though your cultivation isn't very impressive…
You're still our brother.
Kairo smiled faintly.
…Thanks.
After that, he quietly turned around and left.
The moment he disappeared—
The youngest sister frowned.
Don't you think he's ruining our bloodline?
The other two sisters looked slightly uncomfortable.
Don't say things like that.
He's still our brother.
But after a moment—
Even they hesitated.
…Though you might have a point.
The conversation slowly faded away.
Later that evening.
A grand dinner was being held at the Kelric Family Mansion.
The Royal Family had come as honored guests.
The atmosphere was elegant.
Nobles and powerful cultivators filled the hall.
During the dinner, several young members of the Kelric family were present.
Among them were Kairo's older brothers.
Zyrith.
The eldest brother.
His cultivation had already reached Mid Body Integration.
And then—
Krothe.
The second brother.
His cultivation was far more terrifying.
High Stage Spatial Tempering.
Many people respected him deeply.
Not far away—
Sofia also sat calmly at the table.
Her presence was graceful yet powerful.
She too had reached the High Stage of Spatial Tempering.
Among the younger generation of the Kelric family—
She was considered one of the strongest.
But tonight's dinner…
Was not as peaceful as it appeared.
Because the royal family had come with a purpose.
And soon—
The real tension would begin.
To Be Continued…